Home & Gift Harrogate has unveiled the first impressive line-up of inspirational speakers appearing at the inaugural Great Northern Retail Summit this July. Taking place on Monday 20th July at the Majestic Hotel in Harrogate, the one-day summit will deliver an inspiring and educational programme, offering invaluable business advice for any independent retailer wishing to grow their business. Speakers will cover topics relevant to the two core themes: reviving the high street and how to optimise digital opportunities.
The diverse range of experts taking to the stage include designer and entrepreneur Wayne Hemmingway MBE; international speaker, author and business builder Warren Knight; creative and cultural consultant Clare Tymon; artist and gallery owner Elizabeth Emmens-Wilson; and digital and mobile guru, David Skerrett.
Reviving the High Street
Wayne Hemingway will kick-off the summit with a keynote address on creative-led regeneration, and how it can benefit independent retailers. He explains: “It's time to develop places that people want to see and be seen in – people want to get a buzz from other human beings, to touch, feel and taste. We can't always wait for government to deliver the infrastructure. It’s time to have a go ourselves at making small shops work.”
Also on the subject of high street redevelopment, Christine Garnett of award-winning Hunters of Helmsley, and Gareth Marshall, owner of the luxury Bath House stores, will run a case study session for small shops, sharing insights into their own successful initiatives for attracting and retaining customers.
Optimising Digital
In the afternoon, keynote speaker Warren Knight will deliver a provoking address explaining how technology has disrupted sales and marketing, and the ways in which retailers can use new technologies to build brand awareness, market to a niche audience, and increase customer retention.
Digital and mobile marketing expert David Skerrett, managing partner at Nimbletank, one of the most awarded UK mobile agencies and a BIMA Hot 100 for 2015, will be taking part in a lively panel discussion exploring how technology such as beacons, heat detecting cameras, biometrics and Pinterest tags in-store are transforming the customer experience.
“Mobile is transforming retail, and in doing so is creating new opportunities to solve problems and create business value. I’m very much looking forward to being in Harrogate and sharing some advice on how mobile is transforming retail around the world, so we can all serve customers better," says David.
Show director Cleere Scamell, comments on the announcement of the line-up: “We are thrilled to launch the summit with such high calibre speakers. The Great Northern Summit is an unprecedented opportunity for independent retailers to access the very best insight, advice and expertise on the fast-changing and highly competitive world of retail.”
The Great Northern Retail Summit is free to attend for Home & Gift Harrogate ticket holders. The full programme is available at homeandgift.co.uk/summit. Those wishing to visit can register to attend now at homeandgift.co.uk/register.
Home & Gift Harrogate will take place in Harrogate from 19th-22nd July.
